Treatment · Musculoskeletal
Electro acupuncture in Townsville
A gentle electrical current run between needles that are already in place. TENS settings are used for pain, EMS settings to prompt a muscle to fire. It runs alongside acupuncture or dry needling rather than on its own.
What it's good for
Electro acupuncture is often used for pain that has been there a long time, and for a muscle that has stopped firing properly after an injury.
What it is
A current through the needle.
Electro acupuncture clips a small device to a pair of needles already in place and runs a light current between them. TENS settings are used for pain; EMS settings make the muscle contract, which is used where a muscle has stopped firing properly.
It feels like a light tapping or buzzing. I turn it up slowly and only as far as is comfortable for you — it should never be sharp, and you can ask me to turn it down at any point. Nothing is added to your body: the current works with what is already there, which is why it is often used for pain that has not shifted with other things.
It's the same needles, with a current between them — turned up only as far as is comfortable.
What a session's like
Needles first, current second.
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We talk
Where the pain is, how long it's been there, and what you've already tried.
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Needles in
The session starts as ordinary acupuncture or dry needling.
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Leads on
Small clips attach to a pair of needles already in place.
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Turn it up
I raise the current slowly, to a level that feels comfortable to you.
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Rest
It runs for part of the session while you lie still.
Good to know
Common questions
Does it hurt?
No. It's a light tapping or buzzing rather than a sharp feeling. I turn it up slowly and only as far as is comfortable — tell me at any point and I'll turn it down.
Can I book electro acupuncture on its own?
It's added to an acupuncture or dry needling session rather than booked separately. Mention it when you book, or just ask me in the room.
What's the difference between TENS and EMS?
TENS settings are used for pain. EMS settings make the muscle contract, which is used where a muscle has stopped firing properly after an injury. Both run through needles that are already in place.
I have a pacemaker or another implant. Can I still have it?
Tell me before we start. I don't use electro acupuncture near an implanted electrical device such as a pacemaker, and there is plenty we can do instead — ordinary acupuncture, dry needling or hands-on work.
Can I claim it on private health?
Yes, where it is part of a covered acupuncture session. HICAPS is available to claim on the spot.
Booking
Book acupuncture or dry needling.
Bookings go straight to my calendar, with an instant confirmation. Prefer to write first? Send an enquiry and I'll get back to you.
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